Icelandica Luxury Suites

A really unique place

This is really a lovely mansion with six private apartments...sort of a cross between a B&B and a hotel. The room I stayed in had a private entrance, a small kitchen with a breakfast table, a huge bathroom with a Jacuzzi, a bedroom and all the amenities (large TV, cable, internet capability etc). This is truly one of the most special places I have ever stayed. The house is located smack in the middle of the diplomat section of Reykjavik, where all the foreign missions are located. It is also a couple blocks from the main Catholic cathedral and a brisk 10 minute walk from the Tjornin, the small lake at the heart of Reykjavik.

Unique Quality: The decor of my room was dark wood, painted tile and antique-style furniture picked to reflect the era in which the house was built. The bed was monstrous...comfortable enough to disappear in. The down side, if you want to see it that way, is you are charged for this level of quality. The $300 dollars-a-night is steep even by Icelandic standards. I did it on my last trip and I am glad for the experience, but I probably wouldn't do it again. Then again, if I wanted that special romantic getaway spot in Iceland this would be the place.

There is just one detail about my stay which would be irritating if it weren't so ridiculous. When I was there (summer 2005) it was owned and run by this unusual American couple. One day, the husband came to me and calmly expressed his annoyance with me because I had not ordered the free Continental breakfast which you recieve when you fill out this little menu card and hang it on the door. I didn't want any free breakfast, so I didn't hang the card! I was suprised and comically amazed at the nerve the guy...imagine, criticizing me...the patron....for not taking a free meal! All I could do is give him that indifferent look you reserve for the absurd and filled out the stupid card!